Following Precedent
Since the NCAA has decided to ban Native American mascots from appearing in postseason play (even though they never asked the Seminole Nation if Florida State offended them), I’ve decided that they have not gone far enough. Here’s the list of teams that need to change in order to be worthy of NCAA postseason play:
Indiana State University – Indiana…”Land of the Indians”…offensive
Purdue Boilermakers – not only is the Boilermaker an alcoholic beverage, but the nickname originated as an insult, so I hear…hostile
IU Hoosiers – even if they remove the offensive Indiana from their title, the name Hoosier was also a derogatory term, according to some sources…abusive
UT Volunteers – what about those in the state that did not volunteer? insensitive
Notre Dame – the “Fightin’ Irish” are represented by a red-headed, pugilistic, leprechaun…if the FSU Seminoles, who are supported by the Seminole Nation, are offensive, then Notre Dame’s mascot is intolerable
UMass Minutemen – we must consider our British friends…divisive
Oklahoma State Cowboys – what’s more offensive against Native Americans than their “arch-enemy?” inexcusable
Those are just the names off the top of my head. Of course, if you want to get PETA involved, I’m sure they could protest the use of animals, especially the Gamecocks.
We must realize that this edict was handed down by the same man who mishandled the entire Bob Knight debacle at IU. Here’s a quote from his announcement to ban the mascots: “Imitation, it is said, is the highest form of flattery. But when it is viewed in the eyes of those being portrayed as hostile and abusive — no matter how well-intended — imitation becomes the lowest form of disrespect and insult (emphasis added).” The question remains: when did they ask those being portrayed?
All this being said, I believe some names truly are offensive. Redmen is intolerable. Braves even pushes the line. I’d say Rebels is out of line, but I’d be in the minority – especially with my reasons.
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Indiana State University is not offensive
Matt,
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) prohibited the use of Native American references in 18 colleges and universities. This annoucement refered to Indiana University of Pennslvania that has an Indian mascot, not to Indiana State University or Indiana University.
I am a student enrolled at Indiana State University in Terre Haute and the university mascot is a blue rat named Sycamore Sam. I am sorry if the little blue guy offended you.
You can contact me at jmoore34@indstate.edu, Jonathan Moore.
Re: Indiana State University is not offensive
As I mentioned in my email, I guess I should have done a better job at displaying my tongue firmly planted in my cheek.
I was merely trying to follow the NCAA’s “logic” to its natural conclusion.
Having grown up a UE fan, I will naturally think the little blue guy is offensive, but not because of any political correctness garbage.
Sorry to have been so confusing. I guess I’m not as funny as I think I am sometimes
8{)}
Please keep in mind that I have some Choctaw blood and my wife is part Cherokee.
More “offensive” teams
* Marshall’s Thundering Herd is an insult to people who struggle with their weight
* Alabama’s Crimson Tide and the Tulane Green Wave – how insensitive can you be to our colorblind brothers and sisters?
See how silly it gets when we open up this can of worms?